If you’re in the market for a new water heater and Houston water heater installation, you know there are a ton of options to choose from. With all the smart gadgets many of us have in our homes, from smart thermostats to smart light bulbs, you might be wondering if smart water heaters exist. They certainly do, and they come with many benefits for your home. In this article, we’ll discuss some key things to know about water heaters, pros and cons of smart water heaters, and how to make the right choice for your home and family.
When You Need Houston Water Heater Installation
First, let’s talk about why you might need Houston water heater installation services for your home. Generally, this means you need a new water heater to replace your existing one. Here are some common reasons you may need a water heater replacement:
You May Need Houston Water Heater Installation if Your Current Water Heater is Old
By far the most common reason you will need Houston water heater installation services from our plumbers is that your current water heater is old and on its last leg. Remember, conventional water heaters usually last between 8 and 12 years, while tankless water heaters last about 15 to 20 years. If your water heater is near the end of its expected service life, then it may be time to replace it. This is especially true if it shows signs of wear or needs repairs. Our team can help you determine if replacement is the best option based on your water heater.
You Might Need Houston Water Heater Installation if Your Water Heater is Beyond Repair
Another reason you might be calling Houston’s best plumbing company for a new water heater is if your water heater isn’t repairable, or if it’s not cost-effective to repair it. This is less common, but still can happen. For instance, if your conventional water heater has a leak in the tank, usually this is much costlier to repair than to simply replace it with a new unit. Our plumbers can have a look at the issue and let you know if it’s worth it to repair or if you should opt for Houston water heater installation with a new unit instead.
What to Consider in a New Water Heater for Your Home
There are many things to think about when you’re looking for a new water heater. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, here are the things you should consider when selecting a new water heater:
Fuel Type for Houston Water Heater Installation
The fuel type of the water heater is important. Most people go with the same fuel type as they already have for their water heater. Usually, your home is set up for either natural gas or electric water heaters. Buying a different kind can complicate Houston water heater installation, as it takes some extra work to bring a new fuel source to the water heater storage area. While it can be done, it’s often an extra expense. Therefore, before switching to a different water heater fuel source, make sure you talk to our plumbers about the costs and whether it will be worth it in the long run.
Size or Capacity of the Water Heater
The size of your water heater is also important, as it affects how much hot water you have in your home. When it comes to conventional water heaters with a tank, you’ll need to choose the size of tank that fits your family’s needs. If you go for a tankless water heater, then this is less of a problem, but you might need more than one unit if you’re regularly running multiple hot water appliances at once, like your dishwasher, shower, and washing machine.
Energy Efficiency
Once you understand the size and type of water heater you need, the next thing to consider is energy efficiency. Of course, you want to choose the most efficient unit that still meets your needs. Going for the most efficient water heater can reduce not only your carbon footprint, but also your bills for operating the water heater. So, check for efficiency ratings or talk to your Houston residential plumber before choosing a new water heater.
Costs
Of course, cost is also a factor you need to consider. This includes up front costs like the cost of the water heater and the cost of Houston water heater installation as well as ongoing operating costs on a monthly or annual basis. This can help you choose the right water heater for your home, family, and budget.
What to Know About Smart Water Heaters & Houston Water Heater Installation
Now you know some of the things to think about regarding your water heater, let’s talk about smart water heaters. Smart water heaters have extra features and connectivity compared to normal water heaters. This offers many benefits for your home, so it’s also something to consider when looking for a new water heater.
Key Features of Smart Water Heaters
Of course, each smart water heater is different, and features vary based on the brand and unit. However, there are some common features you might want to look for. For instance, Rheem® smart electric water heaters often some of the following features:
- Control the water heater from an app on your phone or your home assistant like Alexa or Google
- Built-in leak detection
- Check hot water availability remotely
- Usage and energy tracking
- Water heater health statuses with notifications for needed service or repairs
- The ability to increase or decrease activity based on usage records
- Vacation mode to save energy while you’re gone and have hot water when you return
Pros and Cons of Smart Water Heaters
There are many pros and cons to consider before selecting a smart water heater for your home. Our teams can help you decide what is right for you based on many factors, but here are some things to note:
Some of the benefits of smart water heaters include being able to reduce your energy use. Since you can turn the water heater on and off or turn it down when needed, it means you’re spending less on heating water when you don’t need it. For example, you could turn the water heater off at night when you’re asleep and turn it on in time to provide hot water for your morning shower.
Also, having an app that can tell you exactly when and what kind of service your water heater needs can be incredibly useful for keeping it in good condition. Knowing the status of your water heater can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and keep it in service longer.
One of the main disadvantages of a smart water heater is that it usually costs more than a “dumb” water heater of the same kind. Of course, the cost savings over time can usually make up for the difference in price, but it does mean higher upfront costs, so that’s something to think about.
Quality Houston Water Heater Installation from Santhoff Plumbing Company
When you need expert Houston water heater installation or repair, our team at Santhoff Plumbing Company is here for you. We are a trusted plumbing company in Houston offering solutions for all your plumbing needs, from repairing damaged pipes to replacing your water heater. Our team offers years of experience and knowledge to provide you with good-quality plumbing services for your home. Get in touch now to request service from our team!